Memorial Park Project Receives Boost from Shattuck Fund

Thanks to grant funding provided by the Harold B. and Elizabeth L. Shattuck Memorial Fund, Recreation and Parks Commission members are moving forward with a plan to redesign next spring.

At their meeting Tuesday night, commission members were delighted to announce that the Shattuck Fund had approved their request for $40,000 toward the first phase of the project.

"Thanks to Brendan (Egan) and Chip (Osborne) for putting together the request, they made a nice enough case to the Shattuck Fund where they gave us everything we wanted," commission Vice Chair Derek Norcross said.

The first phase of the project will include the planting of several trees and shrubs in the rear of the park near the and the installation of light fixtures and a wrought-iron fence around the park's perimeter.

The fencing, Norcross said, is meant to deter local residents from creating a pathway by cutting through the park.

"What (the fence) will do is create a physical buffer between the parking area and Memorial Park," Norcross said, adding that he considers the park to be the "most sacred and solemn park in town."

In addition to the money the commission has secured through the Shattuck Fund, Norcross said he hopes the importance of the project will prompt other local businesses and residents to step up to the plate.

"Hopefully there will be enough enthusiasm and interest behind this to allow us to accept donations from the public or other private entities who want to be a part of updating this park," Norcross said. "I'm psyched."

The commission's next step will be to put the fencing project out to bid.

"I don't think it is crucial that we get this fencing done right away," Norcross said. "Personally I'd rather give them time to get the materials together, get everything nice and set and install it the right way in the spring."

Delaying the start of the project until next spring will also allow commission members to work with area nurseries to ensure that the trees they purchase are of the "same caliber" and of the finest quality, Norcross said.

With the help of the local Tree Department, commission Superintendent Brendan Egan said he hopes to have all of the planting done by Memorial Day next year.

For more computer renderings of the proposed project, visit the Ulrich Bachand Landscape Architecture website here.